For those of you who got a diagnosis as an adult

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How did you choose where to get your evaluation? I am having issues with anxiety and depression, but I also feel like I have symptoms of ASD (particularly Asperger's, although I know that's not technically a diagnosis anymore) and relate to a lot of what people describe on here. Since I feel like ASD could be the root cause of the issues I'm having, I'd like to go somewhere that has a psychologist who would be qualified to evaluate and possibly diagnose me. But if it turns out I'm not on the spectrum, I'd still like to get help for anxiety/depression. So far I've found two places in my area that specifically say they can do autism evaluations for adults (not just children). One is a neurodevelopment center with a psychologist who specializes in ASD. They also offer counseling for both ASD and non ASD people who are suffering from anxiety and depression. This place was listed as a place to get a diagnosis on Autism Speaks. The other place is a psychological services center that do evaluations and treatments for a variety of things. They have one psychologist listed on there who they say can diagnose ADD, ADHD, mood and personality disorders, and developmental disorders (which includes autism). This place isn't actually listed on Autism Speaks.

So, so far, I'm thinking the first place might be best since they very specifically focus on ASD but could still help me even if it turns out I'm not on the spectrum (or at least, I could go there just for the evaluation and possibly start going somewhere else for counseling if I didn't get diagnosed). The only bigger upside I see to the second place is that it has quite a few positive reviews. The first place has some 5-star ratings on their Facebook but no actual reviews on Google. But again, it is listed as a good place to get a diagnosis on Autism Speaks. I'm just trying to figure out the best place to go, especially because I'd obviously be one of the harder people to diagnose (since I'm an adult, female, and would almost certainly be on the high functioning end of the spectrum if I am autistic).

I googled places in my area and chose one of the results. I didn't research any of them first and just accepted his diagnosis. Didn't care for (and couldn't afford) a second opinion. I had a simple interview with the guy. My only suggestion would be to go to someone who can prescribe medication (unless you're opposed to it) because counseling is hit and miss (they all have different approaches). The "best" place is subjective and, much of the time, irrelevant.

I was put in a mental health unit for a couple of weeks (self harm) where I was observed 24/7. It's in this environment I was diagnosed with high functioning autism. Already knew I had bipolar, but they confirmed this diagnosis.

The more important question is this: Why do you want a diagnosis? It hasn't helped me at all.

For me, after doing the AQ (Autism Quotient) test on Autism Canada's website and scoring 37, on the results page it suggested I talk to my doctor if the results cause me concern. So I did that, and my doctor said that I was showing some signs of high functioning autism and gave me a phone number I could call to find a psychologist who specialises in ASD.

If you're looking for an ASD diagnosis, I'd strongly recommend you see a psychologist who specialises in ASD if you are able rather than just one who evaluates and treats a variety of things.

I went to a doctor and they referred me to a specialist.

Autism speaks or similar orgs would not be able to operate and hand out diagnosis where i live, it is strictly limited to the medical profession.